Which One is The Best Retinol from the Ordinary

You might be confused about, “Which Ordinary retinol is best for me?” then you are not alone at all. It can feel a little overwhelming when you don’t know where to start from, when there are a lot of options. In this post, I’ll help you learn about The Ordinary’s retinoid serums, share some tips on how to use them, and help you figure out the best retinol from The Ordinary for your skin.

This post also contains my honest thoughts on their new Retinaldehyde 0.2%, and a complete comparison between retinoids, retinols, and retinals so you know exactly what you’re putting on your face.

So, What’s The Difference Between Retinoid Products?

If all the different retinoid names leave you confused, take a break because you are not. Here’s the way I like to think about it.

Imagine retinoids like the haircare aisle. Saying “I use retinoids” is kind of like saying “I use haircare.” Okay, but what exactly? Shampoo? Conditioner? Hair oil? The same goes for retinoids. You could be talking about retinol, retinal, or granactive retinoid, but the word “retinoid” doesn’t specify the type.

That’s why The Ordinary puts all of their formulas under the “retinoids” category on their site. They are used as an umbrella term. So, if you’re searching for the best retinol from The Ordinary, it helps to know exactly which type of retinoid you’re after.

Think of it like steroids too. If someone says they’re taking a steroid, you know it’s from the steroid family but not which one. Retinoids are exactly the same way.

What is the best type of retinoid?

People often ask, “Which retinoid is the best?” or “Is tretinoin better than retinol?” And honestly, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. If there was, there wouldn’t be a whole range of retinol and retinoid products by The Ordinary.

The right choice depends on your skin type, the texture you enjoy using, how quickly you want to see results, your budget, and how much irritation you tolerate.

As a general rule: the stronger the retinoid, the faster the results. But stronger also means more irritation and a tougher purge with harsh mechanisms. If that were easy to handle, we’d all just go for the strongest one! The truth is, starting gently is the smarter strategy especially when  you’re new and trying to pick the best The Ordinary retinol for beginners.

Here are a few types of retinoids you’ve probably heard of:

• Retinol
• Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde)
• Granactive retinoid are often compared to retinol because it’s effective yet gentle (granactive retinoid vs retinol is the most frequently asked question)
• Tretinoin is only available by prescription
• Differin (adapalene) are mostly OTC in some countries, but prescription in others

Anything sold without a prescription is termed as a cosmetic or OTC retinoid. Prescription ones, like tretinoin, are stronger and fall into a different category.

So, instead of asking “What’s the best retinoid?” it’s better to ask “What’s the best retinoid for me?”

You can also read CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs Differin (Adapalene): Which One Should You Use?

What Are The Benefits of Retinol Use?

I honestly love retinoids because they do much more for your skin. With regular use, they can:

• Boost collagen, which helps get rid of fine lines
• Gradually ease dynamic lines
• Brighten uneven skin tone and fade dark spots
• Help treat breakouts and prevent  new ones from forming
• Smooth out texture and unclog pores
• Leave your skin with that healthy, lit-from-within glow

But for all this you have to wait, because they take time. Like any active, retinoids aren’t an overnight fix. If you decide to start, give it about three months of consistent use before you really judge your results.

When you’re picking the best retinol from the Ordinary, you’ll also notice they come in different bases like squalane vs emulsion. Here’s a quick way to think about it: emulsions feel lightweight, making them great if you have oily or combo skin. Squalane formulas, on the other hand, are richer and nourishing, which is perfect if your skin runs dry. So when it comes to emulsion vs squalane, it’s really just about what feels best for your skin.

How Does a Retinoid Work?

When you’re shopping for a non-prescription retinoid, it really helps to understand how these products work once they’re on your skin.

Prescription options like tretinoin are the strongest because they’re already in the form of retinoic acid. In other words, they just get straight to work. That’s why they’re so effective, but also they can be pretty irritating.

With OTC options, like The retinol from the Ordinary and retinoids, things are a bit gentler. These aren’t direct forms of vitamin A. Instead, they need to go through a few conversion step mechanism in the skin before becoming retinoic acid (the active form your skin actually uses).

The more steps it takes, the softer the effect. Caroline Hirons has a great analogy for this: tretinoin is like a double espresso, while other retinoids gradually step down in strength espresso, cappuccino, latte.

So where does The retinol from the Ordinary fit in? Their granactive retinoid formulas are roughly on par with retinaldehyde: milder than prescription options, but still effective. That’s why they are considered as the best beginner retinol from The Ordinary. They strike a nice balance between results and low irritation. If you want the strongest retinol The Ordinary makes, you’d look at their higher-strength retinol in squalane. But ultimately, the best retinoid from The Ordinary comes down to your skin type, tolerance, and how fast you want to see results.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid vs Retinol in Squalane Base

The retinol from The Ordinary has three types : Granactive Retinoid vs Retinol, and their new Retinaldehyde.

Granactive Retinoid is stronger than retinol because the skin can use it directly. But stronger isn’t really the right word here; they not only differ in strength but the form is also different. Still, thinking of it in terms of strength makes it easier to compare.

When you’re deciding on the best Ordinary retinol or retinoid, you’ll also see formulas in emulsion or squalane bases. That choice is more about texture and how your skin feels, not about strength of the product.

How to Choose a Retinoid Strength

If you’re confused about Granactive Retinoid vs Retinol, the choice mostly depends on sensitivity of your skin and how quickly you want to see results.

Retinol is usually the gentler option, which is why it’s often recommended as The Ordinary retinol for beginners. Granactive Retinoid works a little faster, but it’s more of an intermediate formula that not every skin type will handle right away.

I like to think of it as beginner vs. intermediate levels. Most people start with retinol to ease their skin in, but if you want results sooner, Granactive Retinoid might be worth trying. Personally, I went straight to the stronger stuff back in lockdown, when I didn’t have to face anyone at work and I’m glad I did. But of course, everyone’s skin is different.

In the end, the best The Ordinary retinol is the one that balances your skin’s comfort with the results you want.

Do Beginners Need To Start At The Lowest Strength?

You don’t need to start with retinol. You can begin with any retinoid, but most people find it easier to start somewhere in the middle like retinol or retinaldehyde.

To put it in perspective, most acne prone skin treatments are retinoids. Take Differin, for example. It’s actually a third-generation retinoid made for acne, and while it’s considered stronger, doctors often prescribe it to teenagers who’ve never touched a retinoid before. Sure, it can be irritating at first, but most people adjust and see results. Plus, Differin tends to be less irritating, which is a nice bonus if your skin is sensitive.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re willing to tolerate when it comes to irritation and purging. If you’re new and feeling unsure, I’d lean towards retinaldehyde or Granactive Retinoid. They’re gentle enough for beginners but still effective.

So if you’re searching for the best beginner retinol from The Ordinary, or just the best retinoid from The Ordinary for beginners in general, those are the two I’d suggest starting with while classic retinol remains a reliable choice if you prefer the traditional route.

What About The Ordinary Retinaldehyde 0.2% Emulsion?

Retinaldehyde is the ingredient that gave me the results I have always wanted, so it has very special for my routine.

I started with Avène’s 0.1% formula, but since it is not produced anymore, I’ve turned to The Ordinary’s retinaldehyde. Their version is actually about twice as strong, which I find exciting especially as someone who already uses Differin (0.1% adapalene).

If you’re ready to bear a bit of purging and want real change, I’d recommend you retinal. But if you’re just after a gentle boost for your complexion, retinol is a perfectly good option.

When it comes to the strongest retinol from The Ordinary, retinaldehyde is the standout choice. It’s the strongest Ordinary retinol and a great option if you want actual results.

Emulsion vs squalane

The next step is whether you’d go with an emulsion or squalane base. Honestly, I think most people will prefer emulsion. It feels like a regular, creamy serum that sinks in well.

Squalane is more like an oily texture, which some people don’t enjoy, especially if they’re acne-prone. But that doesn’t mean it’s not for acne-prone skin, it’s really just about how it feels to you.

So when it comes to squalane vs emulsion, there’s no right or wrong. It’s all down to personal preference and what texture makes your skin happiest.

Which Retinol Is Best For Which Skin Types?

Honestly, I think most skin types can handle any type of The Ordinary’s retinol serums in terms of strength. The only real exception is rosacea, since it’s so unique and can take some experimenting to see the results.

It’s not about the retinoid itself your whole skincare routine makes a big difference. Two people could use the exact same retinoid, but if one has a routine that’s a bit drying, their skin will likely react differently.

My advice? Focus on building a hydrating routine first, make yourself comfortable with that, and then add in a retinoid. And if you’re acne-prone and want to be cautious, go for an emulsion-based option it’s usually the gentler pick.

So, if you’re confused which Ordinary retinol is best, or looking for the best retinol serum from The Ordinary, the truth is the “best” is simply the one that fits smoothly into your routine and keeps your skin balanced.

So, Which Is The Best Retinol From The Ordinary?

My favorite is the retinaldehyde because it comes in 0.2%, which is quite rare to find. I also really like that it’s in a creamy base and comes with a pump; it feels easier and cleaner to use.

The best retinol from The Ordinary really depends on your skin and what you prefer. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but if I had to start over, retinaldehyde would be my first choice.

How Do I Use My Retinoid With Other Skincare Products?

No matter which retinoid you pick, the same basics apply if you want to use it safely and get good results.

First things: always wear sunscreen during the day and skip tanning your face. Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun, it not only increases the risk of irritation but can also affect their anti-aging benefits. Sun exposure also breaks down collagen so protecting your skin is one of the best things you can do.

Be careful with active ingredients in your routine when you’re starting out. It’s often a good idea to cut them for a while. Vitamin C, for example, can be irritating when used together with a retinoid.

If you get painful side effects like a burn, it’s best to pause the retinoid for a couple of weeks and let your skin heal. Remember you don’t have to rush to more powerful strengths. Stick with what’s working, and only think about moving up if you’re not happy with your results after 6–9 months.

Conclusion

There isn’t a single “best” retinol from The Ordinary it’s all about what works for your skin. Retinol is a very good beginner-friendly choice, Granactive Retinoid delivers faster results with less irritation, and the new Retinaldehyde 0.2% is the strongest option if you’re ready for a actual skin change.

If I had to choose, my favorite would be Retinaldehyde 0.2% Emulsion it’s rare to find at this strength, comes in a creamy base with pump packaging, and delivers results I can actually see. The key is to start slow, listen to your skin, and don’t forget the golden rule: sunscreen every day. Build a routine that keeps your skin hydrated and happy, and your retinoid will do the rest.